Use the football analogy
We have a worldwide football game going on. Everything that happens that does anything to diminish the American way of life sores points for the Other Side. Anything we do to diminish the threat of terrorism without diminishing the American way of life scores points for Us.
The terror attack on the WTC was a touchdown, a 2-point PAT, and a recovered on-side kick run in for another touchdown. 15 points for the Bad Guys
Calmly, but determinedly declaring war on terrorism, backing that declaration with calculated action, getting the vast majority of countries to publicly support that action: touchdown and PAT...7 points for the good guys
The work done at ground-zero, the volunteerism, donations of time, money, and materiel (and blood!) by Americans of all stripes: field goal...10 points for the Good Guys.
Ashcroft et al even sponsoring a bill that would allow detention of anybody..."just 'cuz" is a field goal for the Forces of Darkness: 18 points for the Bad Guys.
Current score: Bad Guys, 18...Good Guys 10.
End of first quarter (but its still early...)
Even the "America, love it or leave it" crowd and understand and appreciate a footbal analogy...
